Bill > HR637

This bill seeks to recognize the critical and complex role of Public Safety Telecommunicators (PSTs) by requiring the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to reclassify their occupation within the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. The bill highlights the extensive responsibilities of PSTs, including providing crucial support during emergencies such as missing children cases, hostage situations, active shooter incidents, and providing lifesaving guidance to first responders. It acknowledges the emotional and psychological challenges PSTs face, including potential exposure to traumatic events that can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, and notes that some agencies provide Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) to support these professionals. Currently classified under a generic category, the bill argues that reclassifying PSTs as a Protective Service Occupation would more accurately reflect their vital work, recognize their professional contributions, and align the SOC system more closely with other classification systems. Specifically, the bill mandates that within 30 days of enactment, the OMB must categorize public safety telecommunicators under the protective service occupation classification, a change intended to better represent the life-saving and critical nature of their professional responsibilities.

Education

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/637/all-info